Do you find that you get distracted a lot when you're writing? In Monday's blog post, we looked at how to write despite interruptions – but all the distractions that crop up even in the absense of other people are often a problem too.
It can be so easy to end up scrolling through Facebook or flicking through a bunch of websites without really intending to. And while taking a quick break in the middle of a writing session can be helpful, ending up in a constant cycle of distractions won't help you write well ... and it won't help you enjoy your writing more, either.
Here are five straightforward things you can do to become less distractable:
#1: Do One Thing At a Time
It's probably obvious that you can't physically write while checking your emails. And you can't come easily come up with your own words while you're listening to a podcast or watching TV.
Don't try to write while doing something else too. This also applies within your writing: don't try to edit while you're drafting; don't try to draft while you're flicking back and forth between lots of tabs for research.
#2: Pinpoint WHAT Distracts You ... and Make a Plan to Deal With It
What's your biggest distraction? Mine can be summed up as "internet"! As soon as I start to get stuck or bored with what I'm writing, it's so very easy to pull up a browser window and start looking at Facebook or browsing sites like Quora and Reddit instead.
Unsurprisingly, I focus a lot better when my internet connection is switched off! You might well find the same – or you might have some other distraction that you want to eliminate, like playing games on your phone when you should be writing.
#3: Mute Notifications on Your Phone if You Don't Need Them
Notifications can be super distracting. They interrupt your flow, and you might feel compelled to check them straight away. It's really unlikely, though, that someone's sent you a message that needs an instant reply.
Mute your notifications for apps that distract you. For me, that's WhatsApp: I'm in a couple of groups for parents of the kids in my son and daughter's classes, and there are often a lot of messages flying around. Just muting those groups cuts down on an awful lot of my phone's beeps!
#4: Find Music or Sound That Helps You Focus
Many writers find it helpful to listen to music or some kind of ambient sound as they write. You can choose anything you want, so long as it helps you focus. (It might not necessarily be the same thing all the time – if you feel like your music is starting to distract you, try switching to something different.)
There are also lots of non-music options, like white noise, or soundtracks that replicate the sounds of a busy coffee shop or a peaceful forest, that you might want to try. A quick YouTube search should give you loads to try out.
#5: Have a System for Storing Ideas and "To Do" Items
Sometimes, as you're writing, you might find that an idea crops up – maybe for another part of what you're working on, or for a different project entirely. Or you might think of something you need to do – like reply to an email, or put laundry on.
It's easy to get distracted by these things. Either you end up breaking off from your writing to do them immediately, or you end up trying not to forget them while also trying to focus on what you're writing. If you've got a system for storing ideas and "to do" items, you can pop them into your app or jot them down in your planner so you can free up your attention again.
I don't think there's a single writer out there who never gets distracted. Writing is hard work! It can be tough to stay focused, so the more you can do to help yourself avoid distractions, the better.
If you'd like more help with having a great, distraction-free writing session, don't forget to check out Supercharge Your Writing Session:
